Saxon math: Difference between revisions
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{{Short description|Pedagogy emphasizing incremental skill-building and frequent cumulative review}} |
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'''Saxon math''', developed by [[John Saxon (educator)|John Saxon]], is a teaching method for incremental learning of mathematics. It involves teaching a new mathematical concept every day and constant review of old concepts. In all books before Algebra 1/2 (the equivalent of a Pre-Algebra book), the book is designed for the student to complete assorted mental math problems, learn a new mathmatical concept, practice problems relating to that lesson, and solve a varied number of problems which are similar to the practice problems learned in that lesson and select previous lessons- all for one day's math. This daily cycle is interrupted for tests and additional topics. In the Algebra 1/2 book and all books in the series higher than said book, the mental math is dropped, and tests are given more frequently. |
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{{More footnotes|article|date=September 2011}} |
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'''Saxon math''', developed by [[John Saxon (educator)|John Saxon]] (1923–1996), is a teaching method for incremental learning of mathematics created in the 1980s. It involves teaching a new mathematical concept every day and constantly reviewing old concepts.<ref name="CSM Wang">{{cite web |url=http://www.csmonitor.com/2000/0530/p18s1.html|title=Saxon math: practice, practice|last=Russell Chaddock |first=Gail |publisher=The Christian Science Monitor|date=30 May 2000|website=CSMonitor.com|access-date=24 April 2017}}</ref> Early editions were deprecated for providing very few opportunities to practice the new material before plunging into a review of all previous material. Newer editions typically split the day's work evenly between practicing the new material and reviewing old material. It uses a steady review of all previous material, with a focus on students who struggle with retaining the math they previously learned. However, it has sometimes been criticized for its heavy emphasis on rote rather than conceptual learning.<ref>{{cite news|first1=Jessica L.|last1=Sandham|accessdate=2021-04-28|title=Publisher Charges Ahead After Founder's Death|url=https://www.edweek.org/teaching-learning/publisher-charges-ahead-after-founders-death/1997/02|date=12 February 1997|website=Education Week}}</ref> |
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The Saxon Math 1 to Algebra 1/2 (the equivalent of a Pre-Algebra book) curriculum<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.christianbook.com/page/homeschool/math/saxon-math/saxon-algebra-12|title=Saxon Algebra 1/2 Math Curriculum - Christianbook.com|website=www.christianbook.com|access-date=2018-05-19}}</ref> is designed so that students complete assorted mental math problems, learn a new mathematical concept, practice problems relating to that lesson, and solve a variety of problems. Daily practice problems include relevant questions from the current day's lesson as well as cumulative problems. This daily cycle is interrupted for tests and additional topics. From Algebra 1/2 on, the higher-level books remove the mental math problems and incorporate more frequent testing. |
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Standards-based texts such as Dale Seymour's ''Investigations'' which might devote an entire booklet leading up to, but not teaching how to add up the data items and divide by the total number. By contrast, the Saxon math book simply devotes one page to how to compute the average, or how to add, subtract, multiply or divide fractions by traditional methods. Saxon teaches methods and terminology familiar to parents and mathematics professionals, unlike many reform texts which reject traditional terminology or methods such as long division. |
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Saxon Publishers has also published a phonics and spelling curriculum. This curriculum, authored by Lorna Simmons and first published in 2005, follows the same incremental principles as the Saxon Math curriculum. |
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The Saxon method is popular with homeschoolers, and has also been adopted as an alternative to [[standards-based mathematics]] programs. These programs which follow the [[NCTM standards]] have been met with controversy in many communities, with many of the issues presented by [[Mathematically Correct]]. |
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The Saxon math program has a specific set of products to support [[homeschool]]ers, including solution keys and ready-made tests, which makes it popular among some homeschool families. It has also been adopted as an alternative to [[reform mathematics]] programs in public and private schools. Saxon teaches memorization of algorithms, unlike many reform texts. |
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== Criticism == |
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Some say that Saxon Math is too repetitive, and it has too many large numbers. It takes its time to get into new concepts. Although it practices some concepts, it never goes back to others. Some teachers complain that the method is overly-rigid, lacks creativity for both teachers and students, and reduces mathematics to strictly simplistic rote procedures. {{Fact|date=February 2007}} |
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== Relation to Common Core == |
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== Replacing Standards-Based Texts == |
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By the mid 2000s, many school districts were considering abandoning experiments with radical reform approaches which had not produced acceptable test scores. |
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In some reviews, such as those performed by the nonprofit curriculum rating site EdReports.org,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://edreports.org/reports/overview/saxon-math-2008|title=Saxon Math review|website=www.edreports.org|access-date=2020-08-04}}</ref> Saxon Math is ranked poorly because it is not aligned with the [[Common Core State Standards Initiative]]. That initiative, which has been adopted by most U.S. states, is an important factor in determining which curricula are used in public schools in those states. However, Saxon Math continues to be popular among private schools and homeschoolers, many of whom favor its more traditional approach to teaching math.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Saxon Math Review |url=https://technologg.com/saxon-math-course/ |access-date=2022-03-04 |website=The Smarter Learning Guide |language=en-US}}</ref> |
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* Tacoma, WA 2006. School board member Debbie Winskill stated that despite a lengthy selection process and considerable training IMP "has been a dismal failure.” Mount Tahoma High School teacher Clifford Harris taught sophomores Saxon Math, and their Washington Assessment of Student Learning have continually climbed. The program gives students plenty of chances to review material so they retain their skills, he said. That’s not the case with [[Interactive Mathematics Program (IMP)|IMP]], he said in an interview. <ref>[http://www.thenewstribune.com/news/local/story/6051712p-5310251c.html] "Back to basics on kids’ math" |
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- Alarmed by low scores, Tacoma school officials OK added Saxon textbook. by Debby Abe; The News Tribune (Tacoma WA) August 25th, 2006 </ref> |
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== References == |
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{{reflist}} |
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== External links == |
== External links == |
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* [http://www.hmhco.com/search?term=saxon Saxon] teaching materials, distributed by [[Houghton Mifflin Harcourt]] |
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{{Standards based mathematics}} |
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* [http://www.saxonpublishers.com/ Saxon Publishers website] |
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{{Mathematics education}} |
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== Notes == |
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<references/> |
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[[Category:Education reform]] |
[[Category:Education reform]] |
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[[Category:Mathematics education reform]] |
[[Category:Mathematics education reform]] |
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[[Category:Traditional mathematics]] |
[[Category:Traditional mathematics]] |
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[[Category:Alternative education]] |
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Latest revision as of 02:21, 13 July 2024
 | This article includes a list of general references, but it lacks sufficient corresponding inline citations. (September 2011) |
Saxon math, developed by John Saxon (1923–1996), is a teaching method for incremental learning of mathematics created in the 1980s. It involves teaching a new mathematical concept every day and constantly reviewing old concepts.[1] Early editions were deprecated for providing very few opportunities to practice the new material before plunging into a review of all previous material. Newer editions typically split the day's work evenly between practicing the new material and reviewing old material. It uses a steady review of all previous material, with a focus on students who struggle with retaining the math they previously learned. However, it has sometimes been criticized for its heavy emphasis on rote rather than conceptual learning.[2]
The Saxon Math 1 to Algebra 1/2 (the equivalent of a Pre-Algebra book) curriculum[3] is designed so that students complete assorted mental math problems, learn a new mathematical concept, practice problems relating to that lesson, and solve a variety of problems. Daily practice problems include relevant questions from the current day's lesson as well as cumulative problems. This daily cycle is interrupted for tests and additional topics. From Algebra 1/2 on, the higher-level books remove the mental math problems and incorporate more frequent testing.
Saxon Publishers has also published a phonics and spelling curriculum. This curriculum, authored by Lorna Simmons and first published in 2005, follows the same incremental principles as the Saxon Math curriculum.
The Saxon math program has a specific set of products to support homeschoolers, including solution keys and ready-made tests, which makes it popular among some homeschool families. It has also been adopted as an alternative to reform mathematics programs in public and private schools. Saxon teaches memorization of algorithms, unlike many reform texts.
Relation to Common Core
[edit]In some reviews, such as those performed by the nonprofit curriculum rating site EdReports.org,[4] Saxon Math is ranked poorly because it is not aligned with the Common Core State Standards Initiative. That initiative, which has been adopted by most U.S. states, is an important factor in determining which curricula are used in public schools in those states. However, Saxon Math continues to be popular among private schools and homeschoolers, many of whom favor its more traditional approach to teaching math.[5]
References
[edit]- ^ Russell Chaddock, Gail (30 May 2000). "Saxon math: practice, practice". CSMonitor.com. The Christian Science Monitor. Retrieved 24 April 2017.
- ^ Sandham, Jessica L. (12 February 1997). "Publisher Charges Ahead After Founder's Death". Education Week. Retrieved 2021-04-28.
- ^ "Saxon Algebra 1/2 Math Curriculum - Christianbook.com". www.christianbook.com. Retrieved 2018-05-19.
- ^ "Saxon Math review". www.edreports.org. Retrieved 2020-08-04.
- ^ "Saxon Math Review". The Smarter Learning Guide. Retrieved 2022-03-04.
External links
[edit]- Saxon teaching materials, distributed by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
